Project 52 is a group of professional pet photographers who are provided a new theme each week. We then interpret that theme through our pet photography and post a blog. We link to each others blog posts to create a "circle of pet art". It is very inspiring to see each photographers take on the theme. It pushes me to think more creatively and to try new photography techniques.

Our first theme for the year is very appropriate...New. January is always a time for fresh starts, new beginnings and promises to ourselves through New Years Resolutions. Whether you are a believer and participant in established resolutions, I think we all take part in some form. Whether it's organizing your desk, purging unwanted and/or unneeded items, or living a healthier lifestyle.

For my 3 dogs it also means lots of new toys that they received for Christmas! Our family room is filled with new stuffies and chewies. Most of the stuffies have already been silenced and eviscerated, leaving little piles of white fluffy polyester on my floor. Like a little winter wonderland in my family room! How sweet! The chewies will hopefully last for a while.

Cashew wallowing in his stash.

Another new aspect this year is the newest addition to our family, Cashew. He joins Lucy and Huck in the Locey House of Hounds! Cashew was a foster failure. But, I feel like a winner having adopted him. His scruffiness is also new for me to photograph. I'm used to smooth-coated hounds so I love the texture, length and unruliness of his fur.

Cashew giving some loving to one of the stuffies.

I realize how lucky I am to be able to spoil my little pack of hooligans. As rescue dogs they may, or may not, realize how lucky they are to be in a home where they are loved, cared for and treasured beyond measure. Our lives are certainly more complete with them. I hope one of your resolutions is to get involved with an animal rescue near you. Louie's Legacy Animal Rescue is my choice for volunteering, donating, fostering, adopting and spreading the word!

Personally, I'm very excited for a new year and what it may bring. I choose to believe laughter, friendship, family, photography and continued learning are what is in store for me. And rescue. Always rescue. I hope you choose to travel this new path with me.